Football Outsiders Columnist Ben Muth’s RSP Team

Football Outsiders columnist and former All Pac-10 offensive lineman Ben Muth reveals his RSP Writers Project team and to my surprise, undrafted rookie Bobby Rainey is one of his primary backups. Photo by Daaka2.

Ben Muth is a former offensive lineman. He played at Stanford for five years, lettered for four years, started for two, and he was first-team All Pac-10 as a senior. But Muth is quick to point out – as any team-oriented player in a team-first sport that Stanford lost too many football games during his tenure. The Cardinals had three head coaches and four offensive coordinators.

After his college career, Muth was picked up by the San Diego Chargers. He was eventually released because according to Muth, “I was injured, and then not picked up again because I didn’t block that many people when I was healthy.” It’s this kind of humility that inspires fans to appreciate the game and those who played it.

Because he played in a lot of systems and recognizes a lot of difference schemes, it was an experience that Muth believes helps him with his Football Outsiders columnWord of Muth. I’m fortunate that Muth was willing to lend his expertise to the RSP Writers Project both as a contributor and a consultant on offensive line player values.

Tough and a natural runner. Solid vision and balance. Could easily handle 10 touches a game.

RB3

LaRod Stephens-Howling

2

The homeless man’s Darren Sproles. Great for screens and tosses. Also is a very good kick returner.

John Clay

0.5

Familiar with style of play I want. Ran a lot of power and inside zone in college. Can take a lot of carries if Thomas gets hurt.

Wide Receiver Depth Chart

Starting Position

Role (optional)

Name

Value

Commentary (Why you picked the player: specific skills and talents you like, potential upside, and fit within the system)

WR1

Kenny Britt

6.5

Need someone to stretch the field horizontally and vertically. Good deep threat who can win in the air.

WR2

Golden Tate

1.5

High upside guy who could easily become a No. 2. If he plays to his talent it would really open up my offense.

WR3

Donnie Avery

1.5

Knows how to play receiver. Can run routes and catch the ball. Not as explosive as he once was, but he’s a pro.

WR4

Ryan Whalen

0.5

Hard worker with sure hands. Good locker room guy.

WR5

Charly Martin

0.5

Knows the system, and the QB. Good blocker with sure hands. Could play special teams.

Fullback and Tight End Depth Chart

Starting Position

Role (optional)

Name

Value

Commentary (Why you picked the player: specific skills and talents you like, potential upside, and fit within the system)

TE1

Rob Gronkowski

8

Best tight end in football. Does it all. Not many guys can catch it in traffic, stretch the seam, and handle defensive ends 1-on-1 in the ground game.

TE2

Craig Stevens

3.5

Best blocking tight end in football. We can run behind him like he was an extra tackle. He’ll catch it when you throw it to him just don’t expect much after that.

Coby Fleener

2.5

Can threaten teams vertically. Good hands and knows how to run routes. Familiar with the system and our starting quarterback.

Joe Jon Finley

0.5

Owen Schmitt

1

He’s a thumper. Selfless and knows his role.

Tackle Depth Chart

Starting Position

Role (optional)

Name

Value

Commentary (Why you picked the player: specific skills and talents you like, potential upside, and fit within the system)

Trent Williams

7.5

Has the skill set to become a lock-down pass blocker. Great athlete with a natural pass set. Not great in the running game, but our tight ends will help there. Also good in space on screens and tosses.

Jeff Backus

5

Still a really good run blocker. Not a great pass blocker, but not a Levi Brownesque liability either. Can scheme to help him.

Bobby Massie

3

Grooming him to take over for Backus. Should become a good drive blocker, and has athleticism to play pass block at the position.

Guard Depth Chart

Starting Position

Role (optional)

Name

Value

Commentary (Why you picked the player: specific skills and talents you like, potential upside, and fit within the system)

Andy Levitre

9

Best pass blocking guard in the league. Play him next to Backus to sure up protection on that side. Above average run blocker as well.

David Decastro

7

Best guard prospect in a decade. Knows the scheme and plays nasty. Great power puller, also solid inside zone blocker. Really good pass blocking technician for a young player.

Trai Essex

1

He’s big and strong and has played a lot. Can also play tackle in a pinch.

Center Depth Chart

Starting Position

Role (optional)

Name

Value

Commentary (Why you picked the player: specific skills and talents you like, potential upside, and fit within the system)

Doug Legursky

1

Plays with good pad level. Stepped into a tough situation in the Super Bowl and played fine.